The NBA season has only just begun, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already nearing a single-season record. Not even 20 percent through the campaign, the OKC Thunder star has already recorded seven games where he's dropped 30 points in under 30 minutes.
His seven games this season are already second all-time behind Giannis Antetokounmpo's nine in 2019-2020.
This 2025-26 version of Shai is currently tied with four others for second all-time, one being Steph Curry in 2015-2016.
The other two? Gilgeous-Alexander himself -- yes, he did it twice.
SGA still has another 66 games to beat his previous bests from the past two seasons and take the top spot.
The Thunder guard is arguably having a better season this year than during his MVP-earning run last year.
In fewer minutes, he is averaging more assists and fewer turnovers while shooting at higher percentages from the field, beyond the arc, and free throw line.
He has a better net rating and efficiency rating, all with a lower usage.
The bottom line is Shai has taken yet another step forward. He is doing more with less.
Thunder star's progression is more of a luxury than necessity
In order for OKC to take a step forward, it needed more from its role players. It was never about Shai improving his game.
Several members of the Thunder rotation have made vast improvements since last season and have cemented this club as the deepest in the league.
Guys like Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe, and Isaiah Hartenstein are playing like different ball players because they have been given more opportunities and longer leashes.
Even Chet Holmgren, who was already viewed as one of the league's budding superstars, has elevated his play to a higher, more elite level. He ranks first in the NBA in both defensive rating and net rating and has positioned himself as the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, according to ESPN.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has allowed Thunder to be more by doing less
This supporting cast has developed because Shai has allowed it.
It's no coincidence that his passing numbers are up, along with his teammates' scoring. He is averaging an extra potential assist per game in fewer minutes on the floor from last year to this year and is receiving 2.2 fewer passes.
In other words, he is setting his teammates up for more success, even though he is handling the basketball less.
It'll be interesting to see if SGA can continue this level of efficiency through 82 games, especially considering the Thunder have played one of the easiest schedules in the league so far.
Regardless, Shai is well over halfway to the single-season record of "30 under 30," and reaching this feat seems all but inevitable at this point.